COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and First Lady Fran DeWine visited three southern Ohio counties Tuesday to celebrate riverfront revitalization projects designed to boost tourism, improve public access to the Ohio River and support local economies.
The tour included stops in Meigs, Gallia and Lawrence counties, where communities have completed improvements funded through the state’s Appalachian Community Grant Program’s Wonderful Waterfronts Initiative.
Ohio Department of Development Director Lydia Mihalik also joined the governor and first lady for the Oct. 20 visits.
Pomeroy Opens New Downtown Gathering Space
In Meigs County, officials celebrated the grand opening of Court Street Commons, a new pedestrian plaza outside the Meigs County Courthouse in downtown Pomeroy.
The $8.3 million project transformed a former two-lane roadway near the Ohio River into a public gathering space featuring a park, seating areas and a two-tier fountain.
Additional improvements include new curbs, sidewalks, lighting and expanded parking options.
DeWine said the project enhances the historic downtown and provides residents and visitors with more opportunities to enjoy the riverfront and participate in community events.
Gallipolis Expands Riverfront Access
In Gallipolis, the governor joined local officials for a ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the completion of a $9 million riverfront revitalization project.
The improvements include a new dock capable of accommodating larger boats and upgrades to the community’s riverfront park to make the area more accessible and welcoming to visitors.
State officials said the project is intended to strengthen connections between the riverfront and downtown Gallipolis businesses, including shops and restaurants.
The larger dock could also attract more boaters traveling along the Ohio River, potentially bringing additional visitors and business to the community.
South Point Adds Dock and Accessibility Improvements
The final stop was in South Point, in Lawrence County, Ohio’s southernmost community.
The community received $1.2 million through the Wonderful Waterfronts Initiative to improve its riverfront. The project includes a new dock designed to accommodate larger boats and Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant sidewalks connecting the parking lot to the waterfront.
DeWine said the improvements could help attract visitors to South Point and other destinations in Lawrence County, supporting economic activity throughout the region.
State Invests $204 Million in Waterfront Projects
DeWine announced the Wonderful Waterfronts Initiative in 2024 as part of a broader effort to revitalize Appalachian Ohio communities.
The initiative awarded $204 million to projects intended to expand access to waterways, restore and enhance historic riverfront downtowns, and create recreational and tourism opportunities.
It is one of three programs included in the state’s $500 million Appalachian Community Grant Program, developed in partnership with the Ohio General Assembly.
The latest projects represent a broader effort to turn Ohio River communities into destinations for residents, boaters and tourists while encouraging downtown development and economic growth.
